Change Address

VOTE411 Voter Guide

Magisterial District Judge 23-1-06

Magisterial District Judge(MDJ) The Magisterial District Judge handles traffic violations, landlord /tenant matters, and civil actions where the amount claimed is less than $12,000. The Judge presides at arraignments, sets bail, issues warrants, and performs duties of a similar nature.Term: 6 years. Current annual salary: $113,713

Click a candidate icon to find more information about the candidate. To compare two candidates, click the "compare" button. To start over, click a candidate icon.

  • Candidate picture

    Jason M Bowen
    (Dem, Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Colleen Dugan Schearer
    (Dem, Rep)

Biographical Information

1. What skills, knowledge, and experience do you have to help you be an effective Magisterial District Judge?

2. Many voters don’t know what an MDJ does. Tell us what you feel are the key parts of the job.

3. Explain when (as an MDJ) bail is appropriate and inappropriate, and how bail impacts on voters and the community.

Education, Experience Some college, multiple military & police training
Qualifications 26 years of Police experience, promoted to Patrol Sergeant in 2021
For almost my entire life I have been a part of something bigger than me. Starting when I was a kid playing sports, up through high school playing multiple sports, to enlisting in the United States Navy, to being a police officer for the last 26 years in Muhlenberg Twp. I’ve learned to be selfless, I’ve learned discipline, structure, accountability, I’ve learned to be a positive part of the community. My police, Military, & life experiences make me the best candidate for the position.
An MDJ is an integral part of the community and the office is the entry point in the criminal justice system. The key parts of being an MDJ are having the ability to firm when needed, but also having empathy and compassion. Understanding that not everyone is a criminal or a bad person. MDJ’s need to serve with fairness & impartiality. Every case judged on facts and evidence. MDJ’s should also have common sense and make sound decisions based on the information before them not the people.
I believe bail would inappropriate when the crime is a forcible felony like Homicides, Armed Robberies, or Arson with loss of life, and Forcible Rapes. Any violent crime that puts the victim or public safety at serious risk, or if the defendant is a flight risk bail should be denied. Bail would be appropriate when the offenses are lesser and do not pose a risk to the victim or the public. Bail directly impacts voters & the community if it is not properly imposed on offenders.
Education, Experience Albright College, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science & Economics. The Dickinson School of Law, Juris Doctor. Law clerk to PA Commonwealth Court Judge Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter. Berks County Assistant District Attorney since 2001. Promoted in 2014 to Supervising Assistant District Attorney.
Qualifications I am an experienced attorney who is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and before the the United States Supreme Court. As a licensed attorney, I am ready to serve as MDJ on day one. I do not have to take the intensive training class and I do not have to pass the certification exam.
The only candidate with 25 years of courtroom experience. I routinely handle jury & bench trials, summary trials, preliminary, pretrial and bail hearings. Familiar with the Law and Rules of Evidence and also the many courtroom procedures and diversionary programs that are available at all levels of the Berks County Court System. I know what a valid search warrant requires. I will listen in a fair and unbiased way, apply the law and guide citizens in both the civil and criminal court processes.
An MDJ is often a citizen's first contact with the legal system. In all cases, an MDJ has to remain impartial, listen to the evidence and make legal findings according to applicable burdens of proof. In criminal cases, an MDJ is the first Judge a person charged with a crime sees; they set bail and conduct an evidentiary hearing, called a preliminary hearing. MDJ's also approve search warrants and handle summary citations. In civil cases, MDJs handle small claims, landlord/tenant, and weddings.
In PA, bail is set in every case except murder. The PA Rules of Criminal Procedure outline the types of bail and also factors that are to be considered by the MDJ when setting bail. Generally, bail is meant to ensure a suspect appears for court and does not pose any further danger to the community and/or the victim. For a violent felony, high secured bail may be warranted but for a suspect charged w/misdemeanor retail theft, a low unsecured amount would be ok. Being fair and consistent is key.